treble clef

American  

noun

Music.

1. a sign that locates the G above middle C, placed on the second line of the staff, counting up; G clef.

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treble clef British  

noun

1. music the clef that establishes G a fifth above middle C as being on the second line of the staff

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Etymology

Origin of treble clef

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does treble-clef compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bass clef vs. treble clef

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

treble clef

Tyler's coffin was designed by her family to reflect her love of music, with a microphone and treble clef engraved on each side.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

Prosecutors showed a 2012 memo noting one such arrangement for Calamari Sr. bearing the former president’s initial — a D resembling a treble clef — and the handwritten notation, “OK.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 10, 2022

Dede chose a tattoo design that features a one-of-a-kind treble clef, fish hook, ribbon and heart on her right forearm.

From Fox News ● Nov. 1, 2021

Another tattoo of a treble clef is on her right forearm.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 18, 2017

Figure 1.11: Middle C is above the bass clef and below the treble clef; so together these two clefs cover much of the range of most voices and instruments.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones